Babel: We can't all be Messi

The versatile attacker believes he has yet to reach the peak of his potential, and is fondly looking back at his time in England and Germany

Ajax attacker Ryan Babel feels that he still has room for improvement, but admitted that reaching Lionel Messi's level might be a bridge too far for him.

The 25-year-old returned to his boyhood club this summer after previous spells at Liverpool and Hoffenheim, and he has nothing but good memories of his adventures abroad.

"A footballer mostly has his best years between 25 and 29, so I don't think I have shown my full potential yet. We can’t all be Lionel Messi, even if we want to," Babel stated in an interview with Fifa.com.

"I enjoyed my time in Germany, I definitely rate the league as it develops well and you have quite a lot of teams that play good football.

"I also had a great time in England playing for Liverpool. I think it could have been much greater if I was guided better but I have no regrets choosing to play for such a big club. I wish things could have been different but I still have a big connection with the club and the fans."

Babel has netted twice in four appearances since his return to Ajax this summer.